Match Information
Match Overview
Matchday 31 of the Bundesliga season brings VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen together at the MHPArena, with both teams facing critical junctures in their respective campaigns. Stuttgart currently occupy fourth position in the table, placing them in contention for European qualification, while Bremen sit in 15th place, just above the relegation zone and fighting to secure their top-flight status for another season.
The contrasting league positions tell only part of the story, as both teams arrive with mixed recent form that could significantly impact this encounter. Stuttgart's inconsistency has been evident in their last five matches, alternating between impressive victories and disappointing defeats. Their recent 4-0 demolition of Hamburger SV on April 12 demonstrated their attacking potency, with the team capable of producing devastating displays when everything clicks. However, this was sandwiched between defeats to Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund, highlighting their struggles against top-tier opposition while showing they can dominate against teams they're expected to beat.
Bremen's recent trajectory shows signs of improvement under Daniel Thioune's guidance, particularly with their 3-1 victory over Hamburger SV on April 18. This result was crucial for their survival hopes, demonstrating resilience and attacking intent when it mattered most. However, their away form has been problematic, as evidenced by defeats to Köln and previous struggles on the road throughout the campaign.
Neither team reports significant injury concerns, meaning both managers can select from their strongest available squads. This could prove decisive in a match where tactical flexibility and squad depth may determine the outcome. Stuttgart will look to leverage their superior league position and home advantage to maintain their European ambitions, while Bremen's desperation for points in their relegation battle could make them particularly dangerous opponents.
Predicted Lineups
VfB Stuttgart
F. Bredlow; L. Assignon, J. Chabot, R. Hendriks, M. Mittelstädt; A. Karazor, L. JovanoviÄ; B. Bouanani, B. El Khannouss, Tiago Tomás; E. Demirović
Werder Bremen
M. Backhaus; Y. Sugawara, A. Pieper, K. Coulibaly, O. Deman; S. Lynen; J. Njinmah, J. Stage, C. Puertas, R. Schmid; J. Milošević
Team Form Analysis
VfB Stuttgart
League Position: 4VfB Stuttgart Form Analysis
Stuttgart's recent form reveals a team capable of both brilliance and frustration in equal measure. Their attacking prowess was on full display during the comprehensive 4-0 victory over Hamburger SV on April 12, showcasing the clinical finishing and creative interplay that has kept them in contention for European places. The emphatic 5-2 victory at FC Augsburg on March 22 further demonstrated their ability to score freely when given space and opportunity.
However, defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed against higher-quality opposition. The 4-2 defeat to Bayern München on April 19, despite scoring twice themselves, highlighted ongoing issues in maintaining defensive discipline against elite attacking units. Similarly, the 2-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund on April 4 showed their struggles when facing well-organized, tactically astute opponents who can exploit their defensive weaknesses.
The team's attacking output has generally remained consistent, with goals flowing regularly even in defeat. This suggests that while defensive improvements are needed, their forward players are maintaining form and confidence. Their European commitments, including the match against FC Porto on March 19, may have contributed to some fatigue issues, but with a clear focus now on domestic matters, they should be fresh for this crucial encounter.
Werder Bremen
League Position: 15Werder Bremen Form Analysis
Werder Bremen's recent form under Daniel Thioune shows encouraging signs of improvement, particularly in crucial home fixtures. The 3-1 victory over Hamburger SV on April 18 was arguably their most important result of the season, displaying both defensive resilience and clinical finishing when opportunities arose. This performance demonstrated the fighting spirit essential for relegation battles.
Their away form continues to be a concern, with the 3-1 defeat at Köln on April 12 highlighting persistent issues when traveling. The team often struggles to maintain their home intensity on the road, frequently conceding goals through defensive lapses that prove costly against Bundesliga opposition. The narrow 2-1 home defeat to RB Leipzig on April 4 showed they can compete with quality teams but often lack the killer instinct to secure vital points.
The positive 1-0 away victory at VfL Wolfsburg on March 21 stands as an exception to their traveling struggles, suggesting they possess the capability to perform on the road when tactical discipline and determination align. However, consistency remains elusive, as evidenced by the 2-0 home defeat to FSV Mainz 05 on March 15. Their recent performances indicate a team growing in confidence under Thioune's guidance, but they must translate this improvement into consistent away performances to secure survival.
Head-to-Head
VfB Stuttgart
Werder Bremen
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-14 | Werder Bremen | 0 - 4 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2025-04-13 | VfB Stuttgart | 1 - 2 | Werder Bremen |
| 2024-11-30 | Werder Bremen | 2 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2024-04-21 | Werder Bremen | 2 - 1 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2023-12-02 | VfB Stuttgart | 2 - 0 | Werder Bremen |
| 2023-02-05 | VfB Stuttgart | 0 - 2 | Werder Bremen |
| 2022-08-13 | Werder Bremen | 2 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2021-04-04 | VfB Stuttgart | 1 - 0 | Werder Bremen |
| 2020-12-06 | Werder Bremen | 1 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2019-02-22 | Werder Bremen | 1 - 1 | VfB Stuttgart |
Memorable Matches
The head-to-head history between these teams has produced several compelling encounters, with Stuttgart's dominant 4-0 victory on December 14, 2025, standing as the most recent memorable clash. This comprehensive win demonstrated Stuttgart's superior quality on that occasion, with clinical finishing overwhelming Bremen's defensive efforts.
Bremen's 2-1 victory on April 21, 2024, showcased their ability to compete effectively against stronger opposition, particularly when fighting for crucial points. This result highlighted the unpredictable nature of this fixture, where league positions don't always determine outcomes.
The draw-heavy nature of recent encounters, including 2-2 results in November 2024 and August 2022, reflects the competitive balance that often emerges between these sides. These matches have typically featured multiple lead changes and dramatic moments, suggesting both teams possess the attacking quality to trouble each other while sometimes lacking defensive consistency to maintain clean sheets.
Venue Factor
The MHPArena has traditionally provided Stuttgart with a significant advantage, offering the atmospheric support crucial for maintaining momentum during challenging periods. Home support becomes particularly valuable for teams like Stuttgart, who rely on confident, attacking play to break down organized defensive units.
Bremen's away record throughout the season suggests they struggle to replicate their home form when traveling, often appearing less confident in their defensive positioning and attacking decision-making. The hostile atmosphere at the MHPArena could further complicate their efforts to secure the vital points needed for survival.
However, Bremen's desperation for points could work in their favor, as teams fighting relegation often display increased intensity and commitment that can neutralize traditional home advantages. Their recent away victory at Wolfsburg proves they can perform when the stakes are highest. The venue factor may ultimately depend on which team better handles the pressure of their respective situations - Stuttgart's European ambitions or Bremen's survival fight.
Injury Concerns
VfB Stuttgart
Werder Bremen
